US20080241631A1 - Fuel Container for Fuel Cell - Google Patents
Fuel Container for Fuel Cell Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20080241631A1 US20080241631A1 US10/586,686 US58668605A US2008241631A1 US 20080241631 A1 US20080241631 A1 US 20080241631A1 US 58668605 A US58668605 A US 58668605A US 2008241631 A1 US2008241631 A1 US 2008241631A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- fuel
- container
- liquid fuel
- partition wall
- container body
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 239000000446 fuel Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 224
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 108
- 238000005192 partition Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 67
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 15
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 10
- 238000007599 discharging Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 4
- 239000004810 polytetrafluoroethylene Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- 229920001343 polytetrafluoroethylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 6
- OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon Chemical compound [C] OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 3
- 229910052799 carbon Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 3
- -1 polytetrafluoroethylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 43
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 13
- OKKJLVBELUTLKV-UHFFFAOYSA-N Methanol Chemical compound OC OKKJLVBELUTLKV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 12
- 239000011247 coating layer Substances 0.000 description 11
- 239000010687 lubricating oil Substances 0.000 description 9
- 239000012535 impurity Substances 0.000 description 6
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 5
- LFQSCWFLJHTTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ethanol Chemical compound CCO LFQSCWFLJHTTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000001105 regulatory effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 229920002545 silicone oil Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 125000006850 spacer group Chemical group 0.000 description 3
- IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N Atomic nitrogen Chemical compound N#N IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon dioxide Chemical compound O=C=O CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000010408 film Substances 0.000 description 2
- VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N methane Chemical compound C VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229910052698 phosphorus Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 229940058401 polytetrafluoroethylene Drugs 0.000 description 2
- 239000000443 aerosol Substances 0.000 description 1
- QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N atomic oxygen Chemical compound [O] QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910002092 carbon dioxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000001569 carbon dioxide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002537 cosmetic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910003460 diamond Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010432 diamond Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000010763 heavy fuel oil Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007769 metal material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011259 mixed solution Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052757 nitrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000003647 oxidation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007254 oxidation reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052760 oxygen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000001301 oxygen Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005268 plasma chemical vapour deposition Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003380 propellant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000035939 shock Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000243 solution Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000638 solvent extraction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007921 spray Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000010409 thin film Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000012780 transparent material Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M8/04—Auxiliary arrangements, e.g. for control of pressure or for circulation of fluids
- H01M8/04082—Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration
- H01M8/04201—Reactant storage and supply, e.g. means for feeding, pipes
- H01M8/04208—Cartridges, cryogenic media or cryogenic reservoirs
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
- Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
- Y02E60/50—Fuel cells
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
- Y10T137/2931—Diverse fluid containing pressure systems
- Y10T137/3115—Gas pressure storage over or displacement of liquid
- Y10T137/3127—With gas maintenance or application
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a fuel container for a fuel cell to be loaded to a device which incorporates a fuel cell such as a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) or a fuel container for a fuel cell to be used for the supply of liquid fuel such as an aqueous methanol solution to a fuel cell or to a fuel container installed in a fuel cell.
- a fuel cell such as a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC)
- DMFC direct methanol fuel cell
- a fuel container for a fuel cell to be used for the supply of liquid fuel such as an aqueous methanol solution to a fuel cell or to a fuel container installed in a fuel cell.
- aerosol containers As conventional containers for storing liquid, there are known, for example, aerosol containers and cosmetic containers. These containers are formed using, for example, glass, metal, or a plastic material.
- compressed gas so-called propellant gas
- propellant gas is sealed into the containers.
- a nozzle of the container When a nozzle of the container is opened, the liquid and the compressed gas mix together and the resulting mixture is ejected as a spray.
- Small-sized devices such as a notebook-size personal computer are desired not to carry thereon a fuel supply pump, a pressure regulating mechanism and a residual fuel quantity detecting mechanism due to a restriction imposed on its size.
- a fuel supply pump for the improvement of convenience on the user side, it is expected to develop a less expensive, small-sized and lightweight fuel container.
- a piston-like partition wall member for ejecting liquid fuel with use of a fuel container filled with the liquid fuel, it is necessary for a piston-like partition wall member to operate positively.
- the partition wall member in the case where a portable remote terminal is provided with neither a fuel supply pump nor a pressure regulating mechanism and the discharge pressure is set as low as 0.3 MPaG (gauge pressure) or lower, the partition wall member must move positively even at such a low discharge pressure.
- lubricating oil such as silicone oil is applied to the peripheral surface of the partition wall member to enhance the slidability of the partition wall member.
- a fuel container for a fuel cell comprising a container body, the container body having a liquid fuel chamber for the storage of liquid fuel and a discharge means accommodating chamber for accommodating means for discharging the liquid fuel, a valve disposed in the container body to discharge or shut off the liquid fuel, and a partition wall member disposed slidably in the interior of the container body, wherein the partition wall member partitions the interior of the container body into the liquid fuel chamber and the discharge means accommodating chamber, the liquid fuel chamber and the discharge means accommodating chamber are in communication with each other through the partition wall member, and at least one of sliding surfaces of the container body and the partition wall member contains a material of a low frictional coefficient.
- the container body prefferably has a connecting portion for connecting the valve to a fuel cell. It is preferable for the container body to have a connecting portion for connecting the valve to a liquid fuel container installed in a fuel cell. It is preferable for the fuel container to be constructed so as to be loaded to a device which incorporates the fuel cell.
- the material of a low frictional coefficient be a material not dissolving out into the liquid fuel. This material may be coated onto the foregoing sliding surface. It is preferable that the material in question be polytetrafluoroethylene or diamond-like carbon.
- a back pressure can be imparted to the partition wall member. It is preferable that the liquid fuel chamber and the compressed gas chamber be disposed adjacent each other.
- a fuel container for a fuel cell able to ensure a positive slidability of a partition wall member without mixing any impurity into the liquid fuel and able to supply the liquid fuel.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a mounted state of a fuel container for a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 2( a ) is a plan view of the fuel container and FIG. 2( b ) is a centrally sectional front view of the fuel container;
- FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken on line X-X in FIG. 2 ;
- FIGS. 4( a ) and 4 ( b ) illustrate on a larger scale a valve shown in FIG. 2 , of which FIG. 4( a ) shows a closed condition of the valve and FIG. 4( b ) shows an open condition of the valve;
- FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a fuel container for a fuel cell according to a modification of the embodiment.
- FIG. 6 is a centrally sectional front view of a fuel container for a fuel cell according to another modification of the embodiment.
- the fuel container according to the present invention may be loaded to a device which incorporates a fuel cell or may be used as a fuel container for the supply of liquid fuel to a fuel container installed in a fuel cell.
- the fuel container has a container body.
- the container body stores liquid fuel therein and accommodates means for forcing out or discharging the liquid fuel.
- the container body has a connecting portion for connection to the fuel cell.
- the container body is also provided with a partition wall member, which is slidable in the interior of the container body. The partition wall member partitions the interior of the container body into a liquid fuel chamber for storing the liquid fuel and a push-out means accommodating chamber in which the push-out means is accommodated.
- the container body is further provided with a valve disposed in the connecting portion to permit or cut off the flowing of the liquid fuel.
- At least one of sliding surfaces of the container body and the partition wall member contains material of a low frictional coefficient which diminishes a frictional force induced between the partition wall member and the container body with sliding of the partition wall member. Alternatively, the material of a low frictional coefficient is applied to the at least one sliding surface.
- the fuel container is a fuel container 1 A for a fuel cell to supply liquid fuel to the fuel cell, comprising a container body 10 which stores therein liquid fuel and compressed gas (push-out means) for forcing out the liquid fuel, the container body 10 having a connecting portion 11 b for connection to a fuel cell, a partition wall member 20 which is slidable in the interior of the container body 10 , the partition wall member 20 partitioning the interior of the container body 10 into a liquid fuel chamber FR 1 for the storage of liquid fuel therein and a compressed gas chamber GR 1 (push-out means accommodating chamber) for the storage of compressed gas therein, and a valve 30 disposed in the connection port to permit or shut off the flowing of liquid fuel.
- At least one of sliding surfaces of the container body 10 and the partition wall member 20 is a low friction surface which diminishes a frictional force induced between the partition wall member 20 and the container body 10 with sliding of the partition wall member 20 .
- the fuel container for a fuel cell of such a construction since at least one of sliding surfaces of the container body and the partition wall member is a low friction surface, a frictional force which is induced between the partition wall member and the container body with sliding of the partition wall member decreases. That is, without the use of lubricating oil, it is possible to ensure a positive slidability of the partition wall member.
- FIG. 1 illustrates amounted state of a fuel container for a fuel cell according to this embodiment
- FIG. 2( a ) is a plan view of the fuel container
- FIG. 2( b ) is a centrally sectional front view thereof
- FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken on line X-X in FIG. 2
- FIGS. 4( a ) and 4 ( b ) illustrate on a larger scale a valve shown in FIG. 2( b ), of which FIG. 4( a ) shows a closed condition of the valve and FIG. 4( b ) shows an open condition of the valve.
- the fuel container 1 A for a fuel cell stores liquid fuel within a liquid fuel chamber FR 1 (see FIG. 2( b )).
- the fuel container 1 A is loaded to a portable remote terminal P (device) such as notebook-size personal computer, portable telephone, music/data read/write apparatus, electronic note, electronic dictionary, or watch, to supply liquid fuel to a DMFC installed in the portable remote terminal P.
- the fuel container 1 A of this embodiment is in the shape of a column having a generally elliptic section.
- width, thickness and height directions of the fuel container 1 A are set as in FIG. 1 .
- the fuel container 1 A includes the container body 10 , partition wall member 20 , and valve 30 .
- the container body 10 is in the shape of a column having a generally elliptic outline (see FIGS. 1 and 2( a )).
- the container boy 10 comprises a container body member 11 and a bottom lid member 12 .
- the container body 10 is provided in the interior thereof with a cavity to be filled with liquid fuel and compressed gas.
- the container body 10 is further provided in the interior thereof with an inner wall 11 a.
- the inner wall 11 a partitions the aforesaid cavity into a liquid fuel chamber FR 1 into which liquid fuel is injected (stored) and a compressed gas chamber GR 1 (push-out means accommodating chamber) into which compressed gas is sealed (stored), in an incomplete manner without completely isolating both chambers from each other, the compressed gas serving as means for forcing out the liquid fuel through the partition wall member 20 .
- the liquid fuel chamber FR 1 and the compressed gas chamber GR 1 are arranged side by side in the width direction of the fuel container 1 A and are in communication with each other through a communication path C formed on the bottom side (one end side). In other words, the liquid fuel chamber FR 1 and the compressed gas chamber GR 1 are offset (shifted) in mutually opposite directions from the center in the width direction.
- the liquid fuel chamber FR 1 and the compressed gas chamber GR 1 are disposed in a substantially separated state, the leakage of liquid fuel is difficult to occur against a shock such as falling of the container. Moreover, since the liquid fuel chamber FR 1 and the compressed gas chamber GR 1 are disposed side by side in the width direction, the fuel container 1 A is short in its height direction (see FIG. 1 ) and thus can meet a high space efficiency requirement for the portable remote terminal P such as a notebook-size personal computer or PDA.
- the liquid fuel chamber FR 1 is circular in section and so is the partition wall member 20 which will be described later.
- the partition wall member 20 the liquid fuel stored in the liquid fuel chamber FR 1 can be discharged easily in a stable manner.
- the ratio between the liquid fuel chamber FR 1 and the compressed gas chamber GR 1 varies depending on the position of the partition wall member 20 .
- part of the compressed gas chamber GR 1 assumes a position under the liquid fuel chamber FR 1 .
- the fuel container 1 A is loaded to the portable remote terminal P which incorporates a DMFC and therefore the liquid fuel injected into the liquid fuel chamber FR 1 is a mixed solution of methanol and pure water or ethanol and pure water.
- the type of liquid fuel is not limited thereto, but may be changed as necessary according to the type of the fuel cell concerned.
- an oxygen-free gas such as nitrogen, carbon dioxide, or deoxidated air be used as the gas sealed into the compressed gas chamber GR 1 .
- oxygen-free gas oxygen, which exerts a bad influence on the reaction in the fuel cell can be prevented from being mixed into the liquid fuel and it is also possible to prevent oxidation of the liquid fuel.
- the pressure of the compressed gas is not specially limited if only the liquid fuel injected into the liquid fuel chamber FR 1 can be forced out or discharged completely even in a state in which the amount there of is small.
- the portable remote terminal P is provided with neither a fuel supply pump nor a pressure regulating mechanism, it is preferable to set the maximum pressure of the compressed gas at 0.3 MPaG or lower.
- the pressure of the compressed gas is set so as to be 0.3 MPaG in a state in which the amount of the liquid fuel injected is maximum (the volume of the liquid fuel chamber FR 1 is maximum and that of the compressed gas chamber GR 1 is minimum).
- the volume of the compressed gas chamber GR 1 be as large as possible.
- connection port 11 b for communication with the liquid fuel chamber FR 1 from the exterior and connection to the fuel cell.
- the container body member 11 is partially provided with a window portion 11 c formed of a transparent material (see FIG. 1 ). Even when the fuel container 1 A is left loaded to the portable remoter terminal P, it is possible to visually check the position of the partition wall member 20 and residual quantity of the liquid fuel through the window portion 11 c . Further, scales 11 d predetermined by a test or the like are attached to the window portion 11 c , whereby the residual quantity of the liquid fuel can be visually checked in a more exact manner.
- the partition wall member 20 is accommodated within the container body 10 so as to be slidable in the height direction (see FIG. 1 ) and partitions the interior of the container body 10 into the liquid fuel chamber FR 1 and the compressed gas chamber GR 1 .
- the partition wall member 20 comprises a sealing member 21 and a core member 22 .
- the sealing member 21 is integral with the core member 22 so as to cover the core member 22 .
- the partition wall member 20 is slidable in the interior of the liquid fuel chamber FR 1 of the container body 11 while retaining a predetermined attitude thereof.
- the sealing member 21 is slidable while the peripheral surfaces of its upper and lower portions are in airtight contact with the inner surface of the container body 10 .
- the sealing member 21 comprises a sealing member body formed of a material having elasticity such as rubber and a low friction coating layer (not shown) formed as a thin film on an outer-surface side of the sealing member body. That is, the partition wall member 20 has a low friction surface on an outer surface side thereof (at least one of sliding surfaces of the container body and the partition wall member (a sliding surface on the container body side and a sliding surface on the partition wall member side)).
- the low friction coating layer is formed of a material not dissolving out into the liquid fuel, there is no fear of dissolving-out of a low friction coating agent as an impurity into the liquid fuel.
- a low friction coating layer As examples of such a low friction coating layer, mention may be made of a PTFE (Poly-tetrafluoroethylene) coating layer and a DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) coating layer.
- PTFE Poly-tetrafluoroethylene
- DLC Diamond Like Carbon
- the coefficient of friction and frictional force induced between the sealing member 21 and the container body 10 become particularly low, with the result that the moving resistance of the partition wall member decreases.
- the DLC coating layer forms a film on the surface of the sealing member body with use of methane gas by high-frequency plasma CVD, for example.
- This film forming process is called DLC coating.
- DLC coating not only the thickness thereof can be controlled in high accuracy but also it is possible to effect a uniform treatment. Therefore, the coefficient of friction can be decreased while maintaining the airtightness with the sealing member 21 .
- the valve 30 is mounted to the connection port 11 b to permit or shut off the flowing of liquid fuel.
- the valve 30 comprises a cylindrical spacer 31 , a helical compression spring 32 , a ring-like gasket 33 , a valve stem 34 having a hollow portion 34 a and a communication hole 34 b , and a fixing member 35 .
- valve 30 When the valve 30 is open as will be described later, the above components of the valve 30 come into direct contact with the liquid fuel. Therefore, it is preferable that the above valve components be formed of a non-metallic material such as PTEF or be coated with PTFE for example.
- the helical compression spring 32 is guided by a spacer 31 disposed on a bottom periphery wall portion of the connection port 11 b and is disposed on the bottom of the connection port 11 b .
- the gasket 33 is disposed on the spacer 31 .
- the valve stem 34 is inserted through the gasket 33 and is disposed on the helical compression spring 32 .
- a threaded portion (not shown) is formed on the peripheral surface of the fixing member 35 and is threadedly engaged with a threaded portion (not shown) formed on the container body member 11 .
- the fixing member 35 pushes the valve stem 34 to the bottom side of the connection port 11 b against the helical compression spring 32 .
- the valve stem 34 is forced down, so that the gasket 33 is deformed to open the communication hole 34 b (open condition).
- the liquid fuel injected into the liquid fuel chamber FR 1 is ejected to the exterior of the fuel container 1 A through the communication hole 34 b and the hollow portion 34 a .
- the liquid fuel can be supplied to a fuel cell (not shown) installed in the portable remote terminal P.
- the partition wall member 20 since the partition wall member 20 is in sliding contact with the container body 10 through the low friction surface, the partition wall member can slide even if the pressure of the compressed gas sealed in the compressed gas chamber GR 1 is low, whereby the liquid fuel can be forced out.
- the fuel container 1 A does not use any lubricating oil, e.g., silicone oil, there is no fear of mixing of lubricating oil as an impurity into the liquid fuel. Thus, there is no fear, either, that the power generating function of the fuel cell may be deteriorated.
- any lubricating oil e.g., silicone oil
- the fuel container 1 A is for the supply of liquid fuel to the fuel cell installed in the portable remote terminal P, it is also employable as a fuel-injecting fuel container for injecting liquid fuel into a fuel container for a fuel cell capable of being re-loaded with fuel.
- the fuel container 1 A has the liquid fuel chamber FR 1 of a circular section (see FIG. 3 ), it may be substituted by a fuel container 1 B having a liquid fuel chamber FR 2 of an oblong (generally elliptic) section.
- the fuel container 1 B can be made thinner in its thickness direction in comparison with the fuel container 1 A and can be easily loaded to a thin portable remote terminal P (see FIG. 1 ) such as a thin notebook-size personal computer.
- the partition wall member 20 is also changed accordingly.
- the liquid fuel can be forced out more stably with the compressed gas because the partition wall member does not rotate in the circumferential direction.
- the liquid fuel chamber FR 1 and the compressed gas chamber GR 1 are disposed side by side in the width direction
- the arrangement of both chambers is not limited thereto.
- FIG. 6 there may be used an elongated fuel container 1 C wherein a liquid fuel chamber FR 3 and a compressed gas chamber GR 3 are disposed in series (linearly) in the height direction.
- a low friction coating layer is formed on the surface of the sealing member 21
- the present invention is not limited thereto.
- the low friction coating layer may be formed on the containing body member 11 or on both the sealing member 21 and the container body member 11 .
- partition wall member 20 is made to have a low friction surface by forming a low friction coating layer on the surface of the sealing member 21 , there may be used a partition wall member 20 A formed of PTFE, thereby making the partition wall member 20 A have a low friction surface, as shown in FIG. 6 .
- compressed gas is used as means for forcing out the liquid fuel
- the means for forcing out the liquid fuel is not limited thereto.
- the means in question may be a helical compression spring or the like.
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to a fuel container for a fuel cell to be loaded to a device which incorporates a fuel cell such as a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) or a fuel container for a fuel cell to be used for the supply of liquid fuel such as an aqueous methanol solution to a fuel cell or to a fuel container installed in a fuel cell.
- As conventional containers for storing liquid, there are known, for example, aerosol containers and cosmetic containers. These containers are formed using, for example, glass, metal, or a plastic material. In addition to the above liquid, compressed gas (so-called propellant gas) is sealed into the containers. When a nozzle of the container is opened, the liquid and the compressed gas mix together and the resulting mixture is ejected as a spray.
- In the case where only the liquid is to be ejected, it has been proposed to use a container of a double structure provided with a piston, etc. (see, for example, Patent Literature 1). Recently, studies have been being made about a fuel cell as a small-sized power supply in a small-sized portable remote terminal such as a notebook-size personal computer of PDA (Personal Data Assistant). As means for the supply of fuel to the fuel cell it has been proposed to use a fuel container (fuel cartridge). As the fuel to be injected into the fuel container, a liquid fuel mixture of methanol and pure water, or ethanol and pure water, is being studied for example in the case where the fuel cell is DMFC.
- Small-sized devices such as a notebook-size personal computer are desired not to carry thereon a fuel supply pump, a pressure regulating mechanism and a residual fuel quantity detecting mechanism due to a restriction imposed on its size. In addition, for the improvement of convenience on the user side, it is expected to develop a less expensive, small-sized and lightweight fuel container.
- Further, for ejecting liquid fuel with use of a fuel container filled with the liquid fuel, it is necessary for a piston-like partition wall member to operate positively. Particularly, in the case where a portable remote terminal is provided with neither a fuel supply pump nor a pressure regulating mechanism and the discharge pressure is set as low as 0.3 MPaG (gauge pressure) or lower, the partition wall member must move positively even at such a low discharge pressure.
- Generally, in order that the piston-like partition wall member can move positively, lubricating oil such as silicone oil is applied to the peripheral surface of the partition wall member to enhance the slidability of the partition wall member.
-
- Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. Hei 5 (1993)-20148 (page 2, right column,
line 1, to page 3, left column, line 39, and FIGS. 1 and 2)
- Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. Hei 5 (1993)-20148 (page 2, right column,
- However, there has been the problem that if lubricating oil such as silicone oil is used as referred to above, the lubricating oil dissolves out into the liquid fuel. Once the lubricating oil which is an impurity mixes into the liquid fuel, the power generating function of the fuel cell is deteriorated.
- Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a fuel container for a fuel cell able to ensure a positive slidability of a partition wall member without mixing any impurity into liquid fuel and able to supply the liquid fuel.
- According to the present invention there is provided a fuel container for a fuel cell, comprising a container body, the container body having a liquid fuel chamber for the storage of liquid fuel and a discharge means accommodating chamber for accommodating means for discharging the liquid fuel, a valve disposed in the container body to discharge or shut off the liquid fuel, and a partition wall member disposed slidably in the interior of the container body, wherein the partition wall member partitions the interior of the container body into the liquid fuel chamber and the discharge means accommodating chamber, the liquid fuel chamber and the discharge means accommodating chamber are in communication with each other through the partition wall member, and at least one of sliding surfaces of the container body and the partition wall member contains a material of a low frictional coefficient.
- It is preferable for the container body to have a connecting portion for connecting the valve to a fuel cell. It is preferable for the container body to have a connecting portion for connecting the valve to a liquid fuel container installed in a fuel cell. It is preferable for the fuel container to be constructed so as to be loaded to a device which incorporates the fuel cell.
- It is preferable that the material of a low frictional coefficient be a material not dissolving out into the liquid fuel. This material may be coated onto the foregoing sliding surface. It is preferable that the material in question be polytetrafluoroethylene or diamond-like carbon.
- With compressed gas stored in the discharge means accommodating chamber, a back pressure can be imparted to the partition wall member. It is preferable that the liquid fuel chamber and the compressed gas chamber be disposed adjacent each other.
- According to the present invention it is possible to provide a fuel container for a fuel cell able to ensure a positive slidability of a partition wall member without mixing any impurity into the liquid fuel and able to supply the liquid fuel.
-
FIG. 1 illustrates a mounted state of a fuel container for a fuel cell according to an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2( a) is a plan view of the fuel container andFIG. 2( b) is a centrally sectional front view of the fuel container; -
FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken on line X-X inFIG. 2 ; -
FIGS. 4( a) and 4(b) illustrate on a larger scale a valve shown inFIG. 2 , of whichFIG. 4( a) shows a closed condition of the valve andFIG. 4( b) shows an open condition of the valve; -
FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a fuel container for a fuel cell according to a modification of the embodiment; and -
FIG. 6 is a centrally sectional front view of a fuel container for a fuel cell according to another modification of the embodiment. - 1A, 1B, 1C . . . fuel container, 10 . . . container body, 11 . . . container body member, 11 a . . . inner wall, 11 b . . . connection port, 20, 20A . . . partition wall member, 21 . . . sealing member, 30 . . . valve, FR1, FR2, FR3 . . . liquid fuel chamber, GR1, GR2, GR3 . . . compressed gas chamber (push-out means accommodating chamber), P . . . portable remote terminal (device)
- The fuel container according to the present invention may be loaded to a device which incorporates a fuel cell or may be used as a fuel container for the supply of liquid fuel to a fuel container installed in a fuel cell. The fuel container has a container body. The container body stores liquid fuel therein and accommodates means for forcing out or discharging the liquid fuel. The container body has a connecting portion for connection to the fuel cell. The container body is also provided with a partition wall member, which is slidable in the interior of the container body. The partition wall member partitions the interior of the container body into a liquid fuel chamber for storing the liquid fuel and a push-out means accommodating chamber in which the push-out means is accommodated. The container body is further provided with a valve disposed in the connecting portion to permit or cut off the flowing of the liquid fuel. At least one of sliding surfaces of the container body and the partition wall member contains material of a low frictional coefficient which diminishes a frictional force induced between the partition wall member and the container body with sliding of the partition wall member. Alternatively, the material of a low frictional coefficient is applied to the at least one sliding surface.
- The fuel container is a fuel container 1A for a fuel cell to supply liquid fuel to the fuel cell, comprising a
container body 10 which stores therein liquid fuel and compressed gas (push-out means) for forcing out the liquid fuel, thecontainer body 10 having a connectingportion 11 b for connection to a fuel cell, apartition wall member 20 which is slidable in the interior of thecontainer body 10, thepartition wall member 20 partitioning the interior of thecontainer body 10 into a liquid fuel chamber FR1 for the storage of liquid fuel therein and a compressed gas chamber GR1 (push-out means accommodating chamber) for the storage of compressed gas therein, and avalve 30 disposed in the connection port to permit or shut off the flowing of liquid fuel. At least one of sliding surfaces of thecontainer body 10 and thepartition wall member 20 is a low friction surface which diminishes a frictional force induced between thepartition wall member 20 and thecontainer body 10 with sliding of thepartition wall member 20. - According to the fuel container for a fuel cell of such a construction, since at least one of sliding surfaces of the container body and the partition wall member is a low friction surface, a frictional force which is induced between the partition wall member and the container body with sliding of the partition wall member decreases. That is, without the use of lubricating oil, it is possible to ensure a positive slidability of the partition wall member.
- Besides, since lubricating oil is not used, there is no fear that lubricating oil as an impurity which deteriorates the power generating function of the fuel cell may be mixed into the liquid fuel.
- An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail hereinunder with reference to the accompanying drawings.
- In the accompanying drawings,
FIG. 1 illustrates amounted state of a fuel container for a fuel cell according to this embodiment,FIG. 2( a) is a plan view of the fuel container,FIG. 2( b) is a centrally sectional front view thereof,FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken on line X-X inFIG. 2 , andFIGS. 4( a) and 4(b) illustrate on a larger scale a valve shown inFIG. 2( b), of whichFIG. 4( a) shows a closed condition of the valve andFIG. 4( b) shows an open condition of the valve. - As shown in
FIG. 1 , the fuel container 1A for a fuel cell (simply “fuel container” hereinafter) according to this embodiment stores liquid fuel within a liquid fuel chamber FR1 (seeFIG. 2( b)). The fuel container 1A is loaded to a portable remote terminal P (device) such as notebook-size personal computer, portable telephone, music/data read/write apparatus, electronic note, electronic dictionary, or watch, to supply liquid fuel to a DMFC installed in the portable remote terminal P. - The fuel container 1A of this embodiment is in the shape of a column having a generally elliptic section. For the convenience of explanation, width, thickness and height directions of the fuel container 1A are set as in
FIG. 1 . - As shown in
FIG. 2( b), the fuel container 1A includes thecontainer body 10,partition wall member 20, andvalve 30. - The
container body 10 is in the shape of a column having a generally elliptic outline (seeFIGS. 1 and 2( a)). Thecontainer boy 10 comprises acontainer body member 11 and abottom lid member 12. Thecontainer body 10 is provided in the interior thereof with a cavity to be filled with liquid fuel and compressed gas. Thecontainer body 10 is further provided in the interior thereof with aninner wall 11 a. - The
inner wall 11 a partitions the aforesaid cavity into a liquid fuel chamber FR1 into which liquid fuel is injected (stored) and a compressed gas chamber GR1 (push-out means accommodating chamber) into which compressed gas is sealed (stored), in an incomplete manner without completely isolating both chambers from each other, the compressed gas serving as means for forcing out the liquid fuel through thepartition wall member 20. The liquid fuel chamber FR1 and the compressed gas chamber GR1 are arranged side by side in the width direction of the fuel container 1A and are in communication with each other through a communication path C formed on the bottom side (one end side). In other words, the liquid fuel chamber FR1 and the compressed gas chamber GR1 are offset (shifted) in mutually opposite directions from the center in the width direction. - Thus, since the liquid fuel chamber FR1 and the compressed gas chamber GR1 are disposed in a substantially separated state, the leakage of liquid fuel is difficult to occur against a shock such as falling of the container. Moreover, since the liquid fuel chamber FR1 and the compressed gas chamber GR1 are disposed side by side in the width direction, the fuel container 1A is short in its height direction (see
FIG. 1 ) and thus can meet a high space efficiency requirement for the portable remote terminal P such as a notebook-size personal computer or PDA. - Further, as shown in
FIG. 3 , the liquid fuel chamber FR1 is circular in section and so is thepartition wall member 20 which will be described later. Thus, with thepartition wall member 20, the liquid fuel stored in the liquid fuel chamber FR1 can be discharged easily in a stable manner. - More specifically, the ratio between the liquid fuel chamber FR1 and the compressed gas chamber GR1 varies depending on the position of the
partition wall member 20. - As the liquid fuel is consumed and the
partition wall member 20 rises, part of the compressed gas chamber GR1 assumes a position under the liquid fuel chamber FR1. - In this embodiment the fuel container 1A is loaded to the portable remote terminal P which incorporates a DMFC and therefore the liquid fuel injected into the liquid fuel chamber FR1 is a mixed solution of methanol and pure water or ethanol and pure water. However, the type of liquid fuel is not limited thereto, but may be changed as necessary according to the type of the fuel cell concerned.
- It is preferable that an oxygen-free gas such as nitrogen, carbon dioxide, or deoxidated air be used as the gas sealed into the compressed gas chamber GR1. With such an oxygen-free gas, oxygen, which exerts a bad influence on the reaction in the fuel cell can be prevented from being mixed into the liquid fuel and it is also possible to prevent oxidation of the liquid fuel.
- The pressure of the compressed gas is not specially limited if only the liquid fuel injected into the liquid fuel chamber FR1 can be forced out or discharged completely even in a state in which the amount there of is small. In the case where the portable remote terminal P is provided with neither a fuel supply pump nor a pressure regulating mechanism, it is preferable to set the maximum pressure of the compressed gas at 0.3 MPaG or lower. In this case, the pressure of the compressed gas is set so as to be 0.3 MPaG in a state in which the amount of the liquid fuel injected is maximum (the volume of the liquid fuel chamber FR1 is maximum and that of the compressed gas chamber GR1 is minimum).
- For minimizing a pressure variation of the compressed gas it is preferable that the volume of the compressed gas chamber GR1 be as large as possible.
- In the
container body member 11 is formed theconnection port 11 b for communication with the liquid fuel chamber FR1 from the exterior and connection to the fuel cell. - The
container body member 11 is partially provided with awindow portion 11 c formed of a transparent material (seeFIG. 1 ). Even when the fuel container 1A is left loaded to the portable remoter terminal P, it is possible to visually check the position of thepartition wall member 20 and residual quantity of the liquid fuel through thewindow portion 11 c. Further, scales 11 d predetermined by a test or the like are attached to thewindow portion 11 c, whereby the residual quantity of the liquid fuel can be visually checked in a more exact manner. - The
partition wall member 20 is accommodated within thecontainer body 10 so as to be slidable in the height direction (seeFIG. 1 ) and partitions the interior of thecontainer body 10 into the liquid fuel chamber FR1 and the compressed gas chamber GR1. - The
partition wall member 20 comprises a sealingmember 21 and acore member 22. The sealingmember 21 is integral with thecore member 22 so as to cover thecore member 22. According to this construction, thepartition wall member 20 is slidable in the interior of the liquid fuel chamber FR1 of thecontainer body 11 while retaining a predetermined attitude thereof. - The sealing
member 21 is slidable while the peripheral surfaces of its upper and lower portions are in airtight contact with the inner surface of thecontainer body 10. - The sealing
member 21 comprises a sealing member body formed of a material having elasticity such as rubber and a low friction coating layer (not shown) formed as a thin film on an outer-surface side of the sealing member body. That is, thepartition wall member 20 has a low friction surface on an outer surface side thereof (at least one of sliding surfaces of the container body and the partition wall member (a sliding surface on the container body side and a sliding surface on the partition wall member side)). - With this low friction coating layer, a frictional force induced between the
partition wall member 20 and thecontainer body 10 decreases, so that the partition wall member can slide in the interior of thecontainer body 10 while undergoing little moving resistance caused by friction. That is, even if the pressure of the gas sealed into the compressed gas chamber GR1 is low, thepartition wall member 20 can operate (slide) in the interior of thecontainer body 10 and discharge the liquid fuel. - Since the low friction coating layer is formed of a material not dissolving out into the liquid fuel, there is no fear of dissolving-out of a low friction coating agent as an impurity into the liquid fuel.
- As examples of such a low friction coating layer, mention may be made of a PTFE (Poly-tetrafluoroethylene) coating layer and a DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) coating layer.
- With the PTFE coating layer, the coefficient of friction and frictional force induced between the sealing
member 21 and thecontainer body 10 become particularly low, with the result that the moving resistance of the partition wall member decreases. - The DLC coating layer forms a film on the surface of the sealing member body with use of methane gas by high-frequency plasma CVD, for example. This film forming process is called DLC coating. As to DLC coating, not only the thickness thereof can be controlled in high accuracy but also it is possible to effect a uniform treatment. Therefore, the coefficient of friction can be decreased while maintaining the airtightness with the sealing
member 21. - The
valve 30 is mounted to theconnection port 11 b to permit or shut off the flowing of liquid fuel. As shown inFIGS. 4( a) and 4(b), thevalve 30 comprises acylindrical spacer 31, ahelical compression spring 32, a ring-like gasket 33, avalve stem 34 having ahollow portion 34 a and acommunication hole 34 b, and a fixingmember 35. - When the
valve 30 is open as will be described later, the above components of thevalve 30 come into direct contact with the liquid fuel. Therefore, it is preferable that the above valve components be formed of a non-metallic material such as PTEF or be coated with PTFE for example. - The
helical compression spring 32 is guided by aspacer 31 disposed on a bottom periphery wall portion of theconnection port 11 b and is disposed on the bottom of theconnection port 11 b. Thegasket 33 is disposed on thespacer 31. The valve stem 34 is inserted through thegasket 33 and is disposed on thehelical compression spring 32. A threaded portion (not shown) is formed on the peripheral surface of the fixingmember 35 and is threadedly engaged with a threaded portion (not shown) formed on thecontainer body member 11. The fixingmember 35 pushes thevalve stem 34 to the bottom side of theconnection port 11 b against thehelical compression spring 32. - When the fuel container 1A is not loaded to the portable remote terminal P, as shown in
FIG. 4( a), thecommunication hole 34 b of thevalve stem 34 is cut off by thegasket 33 and thevalve 30 is closed. - On the other hand, when the fuel container 1A is loaded to the portable remote terminal P, as shown in
FIG. 4( b), thevalve stem 34 is forced down, so that thegasket 33 is deformed to open thecommunication hole 34 b (open condition). With the pressure of the gas sealed into the compressed gas chamber GR1, the liquid fuel injected into the liquid fuel chamber FR1 is ejected to the exterior of the fuel container 1A through thecommunication hole 34 b and thehollow portion 34 a. Thus, the liquid fuel can be supplied to a fuel cell (not shown) installed in the portable remote terminal P. - According to the fuel container 1A constructed as above, since the
partition wall member 20 is in sliding contact with thecontainer body 10 through the low friction surface, the partition wall member can slide even if the pressure of the compressed gas sealed in the compressed gas chamber GR1 is low, whereby the liquid fuel can be forced out. - Moreover, since the fuel container 1A does not use any lubricating oil, e.g., silicone oil, there is no fear of mixing of lubricating oil as an impurity into the liquid fuel. Thus, there is no fear, either, that the power generating function of the fuel cell may be deteriorated.
- Further, although the fuel container 1A is for the supply of liquid fuel to the fuel cell installed in the portable remote terminal P, it is also employable as a fuel-injecting fuel container for injecting liquid fuel into a fuel container for a fuel cell capable of being re-loaded with fuel.
- Although the present invention has been described above by way of a preferred embodiment thereof, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, but for example the following modifications may be made within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention.
- Although in the above embodiment the fuel container 1A has the liquid fuel chamber FR1 of a circular section (see
FIG. 3 ), it may be substituted by afuel container 1B having a liquid fuel chamber FR2 of an oblong (generally elliptic) section. Thefuel container 1B can be made thinner in its thickness direction in comparison with the fuel container 1A and can be easily loaded to a thin portable remote terminal P (seeFIG. 1 ) such as a thin notebook-size personal computer. - In case of adopting the liquid fuel chamber FR2, a thinner compressed gas chamber GR2 than the compressed gas chamber GR1 is adopted and the
partition wall member 20 is also changed accordingly. In the case of the liquid fuel chamber FR2, the liquid fuel can be forced out more stably with the compressed gas because the partition wall member does not rotate in the circumferential direction. - Although in the fuel container 1A according to the above embodiment the liquid fuel chamber FR1 and the compressed gas chamber GR1 are disposed side by side in the width direction, the arrangement of both chambers is not limited thereto. For example, as shown in
FIG. 6 , there may be used anelongated fuel container 1C wherein a liquid fuel chamber FR3 and a compressed gas chamber GR3 are disposed in series (linearly) in the height direction. - Although in the above embodiment a low friction coating layer is formed on the surface of the sealing
member 21, the present invention is not limited thereto. The low friction coating layer may be formed on the containingbody member 11 or on both the sealingmember 21 and thecontainer body member 11. - Although in the above embodiment the
partition wall member 20 is made to have a low friction surface by forming a low friction coating layer on the surface of the sealingmember 21, there may be used apartition wall member 20A formed of PTFE, thereby making thepartition wall member 20A have a low friction surface, as shown inFIG. 6 . - Although in the above embodiment compressed gas is used as means for forcing out the liquid fuel, the means for forcing out the liquid fuel is not limited thereto. For example, the means in question may be a helical compression spring or the like.
Claims (10)
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2004-011310 | 2004-01-20 | ||
JP2004011310 | 2004-01-20 | ||
PCT/JP2005/000488 WO2005069419A1 (en) | 2004-01-20 | 2005-01-17 | Fuel container for fuel cell |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20080241631A1 true US20080241631A1 (en) | 2008-10-02 |
US7766032B2 US7766032B2 (en) | 2010-08-03 |
Family
ID=34792330
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/586,686 Expired - Fee Related US7766032B2 (en) | 2004-01-20 | 2005-01-17 | Fuel container for fuel cell |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US7766032B2 (en) |
JP (1) | JP4944444B2 (en) |
CN (1) | CN100435399C (en) |
HK (1) | HK1103171A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2005069419A1 (en) |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20140255817A1 (en) * | 2013-03-08 | 2014-09-11 | Nuvera Fuel Cells, Inc. | Electrochemical Stack Compression System |
US9272835B2 (en) | 2010-04-02 | 2016-03-01 | Kao Corporation | Squeeze container |
CN111619915A (en) * | 2019-02-28 | 2020-09-04 | 精工爱普生株式会社 | Liquid container |
US10961111B2 (en) | 2016-05-31 | 2021-03-30 | Sfc Energy Ag | Device for removing fuel from tank cartridges for fuel cells |
US11196060B2 (en) * | 2008-06-23 | 2021-12-07 | Nuvera Fuel Cells, LLC | Fuel cell stack with integrated process endplates |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7626353B2 (en) | 2004-10-19 | 2009-12-01 | Hitachi, Ltd. | Mobile type information terminal and self diagnosis method and operation method thereof |
Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4979652A (en) * | 1987-07-02 | 1990-12-25 | Stacos Di Saulle Lorenzo E Pontarollo Luciana S.N.C. | Charging valve for containers of fluid products |
US5033940A (en) * | 1989-01-19 | 1991-07-23 | Sulzer Brothers Limited | Reciprocating high-pressure compressor piston with annular clearance |
US20030019888A1 (en) * | 2001-07-23 | 2003-01-30 | Gupta Pradeep Yohanne | Piston for dispensing device, dispensing device, product containing dispensing device, method of filling, and method of dispensing |
US20060172171A1 (en) * | 2001-11-13 | 2006-08-03 | Klaus Deinzer | Devices for the supplying fuel to fuel cells |
Family Cites Families (14)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JPS57185172A (en) | 1981-05-11 | 1982-11-15 | Oki Electric Ind Co Ltd | Thermal head |
JPS6223022Y2 (en) * | 1981-05-21 | 1987-06-11 | ||
JPS63190669A (en) | 1987-02-02 | 1988-08-08 | Osaka Eyazoole Kogyo Kk | Aerosol apparatus |
JP2822398B2 (en) * | 1988-10-26 | 1998-11-11 | 松下電器産業株式会社 | Image display device |
JPH02117054U (en) * | 1989-03-06 | 1990-09-19 | ||
JPH1113885A (en) * | 1997-06-24 | 1999-01-22 | Hitachi Ltd | High performance piston ring |
JP2000120870A (en) * | 1998-10-15 | 2000-04-28 | Teikoku Piston Ring Co Ltd | Piston ring |
DE19913977C2 (en) * | 1999-03-18 | 2001-11-22 | Mannesmann Ag | Fuel tank |
JP2001065865A (en) * | 1999-08-27 | 2001-03-16 | Tokai Corp | Discharge ignition type gas lighter |
JP3668069B2 (en) | 1999-09-21 | 2005-07-06 | 株式会社東芝 | Liquid fuel container for fuel cell and fuel cell |
JP2001313047A (en) * | 2000-04-28 | 2001-11-09 | Yuasa Corp | Direct methanol fuel cell |
US20030008193A1 (en) | 2001-06-28 | 2003-01-09 | Foamex L.P. | Liquid fuel delivery system for fuel cells |
JP4805489B2 (en) * | 2001-07-31 | 2011-11-02 | 株式会社ダイゾー | Multi-content discharge device |
JP4508539B2 (en) * | 2003-02-13 | 2010-07-21 | 日本電気株式会社 | Fuel supply cartridge, fuel cell device, and fuel supply method |
-
2005
- 2005-01-17 US US10/586,686 patent/US7766032B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2005-01-17 WO PCT/JP2005/000488 patent/WO2005069419A1/en active Application Filing
- 2005-01-17 CN CNB2005800028133A patent/CN100435399C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2005-01-17 JP JP2005517095A patent/JP4944444B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2007
- 2007-07-13 HK HK07107527.0A patent/HK1103171A1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4979652A (en) * | 1987-07-02 | 1990-12-25 | Stacos Di Saulle Lorenzo E Pontarollo Luciana S.N.C. | Charging valve for containers of fluid products |
US5033940A (en) * | 1989-01-19 | 1991-07-23 | Sulzer Brothers Limited | Reciprocating high-pressure compressor piston with annular clearance |
US20030019888A1 (en) * | 2001-07-23 | 2003-01-30 | Gupta Pradeep Yohanne | Piston for dispensing device, dispensing device, product containing dispensing device, method of filling, and method of dispensing |
US20060172171A1 (en) * | 2001-11-13 | 2006-08-03 | Klaus Deinzer | Devices for the supplying fuel to fuel cells |
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11196060B2 (en) * | 2008-06-23 | 2021-12-07 | Nuvera Fuel Cells, LLC | Fuel cell stack with integrated process endplates |
US9272835B2 (en) | 2010-04-02 | 2016-03-01 | Kao Corporation | Squeeze container |
US20140255817A1 (en) * | 2013-03-08 | 2014-09-11 | Nuvera Fuel Cells, Inc. | Electrochemical Stack Compression System |
US10109880B2 (en) * | 2013-03-08 | 2018-10-23 | Nuvera Fuel Cells, LLC | Electrochemical stack compression system |
US10961111B2 (en) | 2016-05-31 | 2021-03-30 | Sfc Energy Ag | Device for removing fuel from tank cartridges for fuel cells |
CN111619915A (en) * | 2019-02-28 | 2020-09-04 | 精工爱普生株式会社 | Liquid container |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2005069419A1 (en) | 2005-07-28 |
JP4944444B2 (en) | 2012-05-30 |
JPWO2005069419A1 (en) | 2007-12-27 |
HK1103171A1 (en) | 2007-12-14 |
US7766032B2 (en) | 2010-08-03 |
CN1910778A (en) | 2007-02-07 |
CN100435399C (en) | 2008-11-19 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US7766032B2 (en) | Fuel container for fuel cell | |
JP4745827B2 (en) | Fuel container for fuel cell | |
JP4438983B2 (en) | Fuel container for fuel cell | |
EP1873857A1 (en) | Liquid filling device for fuel cell, fuel cell, and fuel cartridge | |
US20080171258A1 (en) | Liquid injector for fuel cell, fuel cell and fuel cartridge | |
JP5172105B2 (en) | Connector for fuel cell | |
US20090151797A1 (en) | Pressure regulator | |
JP4733351B2 (en) | Fuel container for fuel cell | |
US20120129081A1 (en) | Fuel cartridge | |
JP4634728B2 (en) | Fuel container for fuel cell | |
JP4875005B2 (en) | Relief valve | |
JP4947930B2 (en) | Fuel container for fuel cell | |
CN114728739B (en) | Aerosol dispensing valve system and container comprising same | |
JP4880318B2 (en) | Fuel cartridge | |
US20090208811A1 (en) | Fuel Cell Cartridge Connector | |
JP2007059224A (en) | Liquid container inspection method | |
JP2007095537A (en) | Liquid container | |
JP2006024541A (en) | Liquid fuel charge method | |
JP2022189287A (en) | Valve and aerosol product |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: HITACHI, LTD., JAPAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:NORIMATSU, YASUAKI;KAMO, TOMOICHI;KUBOTA, OSAMU;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:018131/0479;SIGNING DATES FROM 20060628 TO 20060705 Owner name: TOKAI CORPORATION, JAPAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:NORIMATSU, YASUAKI;KAMO, TOMOICHI;KUBOTA, OSAMU;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:018131/0479;SIGNING DATES FROM 20060628 TO 20060705 Owner name: HITACHI, LTD., JAPAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:NORIMATSU, YASUAKI;KAMO, TOMOICHI;KUBOTA, OSAMU;AND OTHERS;SIGNING DATES FROM 20060628 TO 20060705;REEL/FRAME:018131/0479 Owner name: TOKAI CORPORATION, JAPAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:NORIMATSU, YASUAKI;KAMO, TOMOICHI;KUBOTA, OSAMU;AND OTHERS;SIGNING DATES FROM 20060628 TO 20060705;REEL/FRAME:018131/0479 |
|
FEPP | Fee payment procedure |
Free format text: PAYOR NUMBER ASSIGNED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: ASPN); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY |
|
REMI | Maintenance fee reminder mailed | ||
LAPS | Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees | ||
STCH | Information on status: patent discontinuation |
Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEES UNDER 37 CFR 1.362 |
|
FP | Lapsed due to failure to pay maintenance fee |
Effective date: 20140803 |